A science shop provides independent, participatory research support in response to concerns experienced by civil society.It serves as a mediator between citizen groups (trade unions, pressure groups, non-profit organisations, social groups, environmentalists, consumers, residents association etc.) and research institutions (universities, independent research facilities). ISSNET is a 30 month thematic network of 13 organizations funded within the programme Raising Public Awareness of Sciences and Technology of the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Commission. The general objective of the thematic network is to give citizens better access to scientific information and expertise and thereby advance citizens' participation in the dialogue between science and society. The site provides access to ISSNET and TRAMS (Training and mentoring of Science Shops) online documents library and listserve.
